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Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor? Maintenance of windows and doors and repair benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living conditions without the need to relocate. Loose or rotting exterior casing should be fixed as soon as possible. These are often a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired at little expense. Cracked or Broken Glass If your window glass has broken or cracked you're probably wondering if you can repair it or whether you need to purchase a replacement. The answer will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the break, what caused it, and the type of glass that is used in your windows. In most cases, it is easier to fix a damaged or cracked window than to replace it. The key is to figure out what caused the crack and then act swiftly to stop it from becoming worse. This is particularly important for impact breaks, such as a rock thrown by the lawn mower or throwing a ball by the children. Before you can take care of a broken or cracked window You'll need to take out any fragments that remain in the frame or lying on the ground. Wear gloves that are heavy duty and wear eye protection. If there is any glazing that is holding the pieces together Use a putty knife or chisel to gently remove them. Once you have removed the glass shards, clean up the area carefully and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when dealing with glass or mirrors as these can be very sharp. It is also an excellent idea to fence off the area, shut the door, and tell your household members not to enter until the broken glass has been cleaned. Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions which support the glass pane. This is because corrosion and rust can damage these components which can cause further problems for the windows. Replace the window if are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and it can break into smaller granular pieces that are less likely than sharp shards of glass to cause injury. If you're not confident in tackling the task on your own, or if it will be more economical to replace your window, call a professional window and door doctor to assist with repairs or replacement. Window & door doctors are experts in repairing or replacing windows and doors damaged by vandalism, storms or other events. They can assist you in deciding whether an immediate fix is better than a more extensive window replacement. Damaged Frame The window frame endures a lot of wear and tear, so it's not a surprise that it gets damaged at times. Some damage is cosmetic and can be repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames could be more severe and should be addressed quickly to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement. Wood rot around window frames can be ugly and lead to many problems such as mold and fungus. These can affect your home's health and value. To fix this issue start by removing all weatherstripping and then cutting away the rotten wood with a chisel or saw. After removing the damaged frame, you can purchase the kit at an hardware store or online that includes all of the required tools and components to repair it. Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are another common problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. This is essential because North Carolina experiences high levels of humidity, which could cause the wood to expand and shrink when it absorbs or releases moisture. When wood cracks it allows moisture to leak into your home, which could cause damage to the structure of your house as well as your possessions and even the health of your family. Another common problem is the difficulty in opening or closing windows. This is caused by a variety of factors. It could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt that makes it difficult for the sash to move or the frame might have suffered some form of structural damage that has affected its ability to properly open and close. If your window frame shows obvious signs of damage following a storm it is an excellent idea to consult an expert. upvc window doctor may be so severe that a total replacement of your window could be the only option. You could be able file a claim with your insurance company to pay the cost of any repairs or replacements. Seals that are damaged Window seals are the final layer of protection against air and moisture infiltration, which can damage windows. They're also responsible for helping to maintain an ideal temperature inside and reduce energy costs. If you find that your window seals aren't working or if you have noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is important to fix the problem before it gets worse. No matter if your windows are a double pane or single pane, the glass within them is held in place by an aluminum spacer as well as polyurethane that sandwiched the two panes of annealed or tempered glass. The fluctuation in temperature in Phoenix's sunshine can cause the glass to break down over time, allowing humidity and air to seep through the panes. The window's enhanced insulation value will also be diminished if it contains inert gases. This is why a window that has broken seals will fog. If you think that the seals on your windows aren't working, it is best to follow the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. It may seem obvious but many homeowners overlook this step. Regularly wiping your windows down with whatever cleaning agent is recommended will extend the life of your windows and ensure they are working at their peak. A feeling of draftiness is one of the indicators that your window seal has failed, especially during an icy winter day. This is because the warm air inside your home is being pulled out from the window by cold air outside. Similarly, if you notice that your energy costs are suddenly higher than normal without a reason, your windows may let in too much cold air. Moisture between the glass panes of your windows is a further sign that your seals aren't working. The moisture could be a thin, clear line or it could be a constant cloud that blocks your view of the outside. The condensation between the glass is the result of an infiltration crack caused by the window seal breaking, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane. Damaged Muntins or Mullions Muntins and Mullions, the pieces of wood that divide panes of glass in single pane windows, can be real or faux. If they're damaged window repair experts are able to fix them. They will take out all the glass clean and scrape the area before re-building any mullias or muntins that are rotted or damaged. In many instances this is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window. Sometimes the more obscure issues are often overlooked. While damage to your frame can be apparent from the force of rain or snow melt, or humidity, other issues may not be as obvious. A crack in the dripcap (the cap made of metal that covers the top of the window frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can cause mould and rot. A damaged sash cord could cause draughts and rattles when the window is open or closed. A leaking window or one that causes draughts may be expensive to repair, especially when the water seeps into the wall. The leaks must be fixed as soon as possible. Draughts are usually caused by hinges that are not working properly in old windows or by poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door doctor can repair leaks and draughts without having to replace the entire window. If the casing around your window is sagging, damaged, cracked, or missing, it's likely to need to be replaced. This isn't an undertaking for the amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and requires a new build also. Loose casing is unattractive however it allows air and moisture to infiltrate the home, which reduces energy efficiency. It can be replaced with primed wood exterior casing, found at many home centers or low-maintenance vinyl or PVC products. These are more weatherproof than wood and do not require painting regularly to maintain the integrity. Whatever the material, any replacement casings should be treated with an exterior-grade paint.